Los Angeles, CA – 4 Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving LAPD Patrol Car

California’s emergency vehicle exemption law allows police officers to disregard certain traffic rules, such as speed limits and red lights, while responding to a call, but only when they use a siren and red light and drive with due regard for the safety of others. If a patrol officer failed to exercise that due regard, the officer and the city can still be held liable for resulting injuries. Investigators will need to determine whether the patrol car was legally exempt from normal traffic rules at the time of this crash.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 17001, a public entity such as the City of Los Angeles can be held liable for injuries caused by the negligent operation of a government vehicle, including a police cruiser, by an employee acting within the scope of employment. This means injured drivers, passengers, or bystanders may be able to pursue a claim against the city if the officer’s conduct contributed to the crash. Claims against government entities in California are subject to strict, shortened filing deadlines under the Government Claims Act.